Chioma Darah-Ani rehearses for the upcoming productions, Gruff! (Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

THEATRE UNDER THE TREES

Outdoor theatre returns in Kamloops with Project X Theatre’s ‘Gruff!’

Jul 29, 2021 | 5:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — For many theatre groups, it’s been well over a year since they’ve performed for an in-person audience. But starting in August, Kamloops residents can take in ‘Theatre Under the Trees’, with Project X Theatre’s new musical – Gruff!.

A summertime staple in Kamloops, X-Fest returns next week in Prince Charles Park. Gruff! Director Tracey Power says it has taken hard work to put together the outdoor performance, but it’s well worth the effort.

“Even on the smoky days I’ll take it over being inside all summer. It’s fantastic, and you work with the elements – they’re one of the players so you find ways to work together and still bring the show to the stage.”

The latest summer show features the talents of Kirk Smith – known for his Western Canada Theatre experience as Buddy the Elf in Elf The Musical, and The Cat in the Hat in Seussical.

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Another cast member, Laine Gillies, plays one of the billy goats, and says it’s been some time since she last got on stage, and is eager to get back.

“For me it’s been two years now I guess. I did a show before COVID happened, and then I was planning to do another show during COVID but that got cancelled, so it’s been a hot second for sure.”

And for one of the other main cast members, it’s their first time taking part in a professional production. Chioma Darah-Ani was cast as the production’s ‘troll’ and says this has been an ideal outlet for her love of entertainment.

“I started with background acting. And I always knew I had it in me, but never actually took the step to get in to it. But I started last November and it’s been pretty fun.”

Gruff! runs from August 3 to 21, and all shows are Bring Your Own Blanket (or Chair). Tickets can be purchased online at ProjectXTheatre.ca.